Senator Murkowski Questions EPA Administrator on Project Backlog

Congressionally Directed Spending Backlog

• 📌 Senator Murkowski highlighted a significant backlog of Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) projects at the EPA, with only 705 out of 2,264 projects funded since fiscal year 2022.
• 🎯 Both the Senator and the EPA Administrator agree that this backlog represents a critical issue that needs immediate attention.
• 💡 The EPA Administrator has directed their team to work with members of Congress and recipients to expedite the submission of necessary paperwork and clear the inherited backlog.

Addressing Project Delays

• 🛠️ The EPA Administrator explained that the backlog is years old and involves various program offices, requiring tailored approaches for each.
• 🤝 The agency is open to direct communication with congressional teams to identify and resolve any snags or communication issues with applicants.
• 🗺️ The goal is to completely clear the inherited backlog as quickly as possible, working collaboratively with Congress.

Impact of Delays on Alaska

• ❄️ Senator Murkowski emphasized the limited construction season in Alaska, where project delays can push timelines back by a full season or even multiple years.
• ❓ Communities need clarity on which grants are awarded, under review, or terminated, as uncertainty hinders planning and execution.
• 📊 A request was made for the EPA to provide a clear list distinguishing between projects paused for review and those that have been terminated.

EPA's Grant and Funding Processes

• 🚀 The EPA Administrator assured that funding appropriated by Congress will continue to be distributed throughout the fiscal year, including for Alaska.
• ⚠️ The agency addressed past pauses, including an administration-wide pause and a specific pause for certain Inflation Reduction Act programs, noting concerns with specific entities like Lion Electric.
• ✅ The EPA is prepared to answer individual questions regarding any cancelled grants to provide further clarity.